ELMBRIDGE small businesses and self-starters have been benefitting from free independent and confidential advice from Surrey Business Enterprise Agency (SBE) since 1985.

The agency is a private organisation, sponsored by the local authority and contracted by the Government to help people looking at entering into self-employment or thinking of establishing a small business as well as advising existing small companies.

Last year the SBE saw a significant increase in clients. Managing director Mike Instone said that this year has opened with demand remaining high.

He explained that about one in ten of their clients is from Elmbridge. Companies who have received advice from SBE include Red Phoenix Marketing in Esher, Greenaway Garden Services in Weybridge, JASMIN Design Studios in Weybridge and Osborne and Collins Ltd in Walton.

“The name of the game is to encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of the free advice,” he said. “It is in their best interest as a large number of people decide their plan wasn’t a good idea after all.

“It’s better they decide that at this point before they get committed and lose money — especially people who have been made redundant and used their redundancy money to get started.”

The organisation, which has offices in Woking, Epsom, Guildford and Staines, offers guidance on the benefits of becoming a self-trader or limited company, cash flows and marketing, as well as giving tips on selling and managng the business.

Mike said: “There is no point starting a business and expecting it to run for years. You need to think ahead all the time. What’s the next move? How do I stay ahead of my competitor?”

SBE is part of a national network. Mike explained: “Research suggests that people who take advice from Enterprise Agencies have better prospects for the business.”

Companies that receive advice and then go on to set up a business can have it put on the website www.sbe.org.uk where their details can be viewed by prospective customers.

Last year SBE did about 1,800 counselling sessions. Mike said: “SBE saw an increase of 21 per cent in first time client advisory sessions in 2002 spread across our offices.

“It is significant that a considerable number of these were people who had been made redundant from their jobs, both in London and its surrounds as well as from businesses within Surrey.

“This year opened with demand remaining high although we sense that, given the current economic uncertainty, a considerable number are waiting to see what will happen over the next few months before committing themselves.”

Mike added: “The way we follow -up clients recognises there is a time lag between a client using our service and going ahead with their idea.

"Our initial research suggests that at least 225 new businesses were established between January and September 2002 and the likelihood is that some 290 new businesses will actually have been started by the end of 2002.”

For more information contact SBE on 01483 728434 or visit the website.